FTC tries to un-Zuck Meta’s grip on the market by dragging it back to court

Steven

FTC tries to un-Zuck Meta’s grip on the market by dragging it back to court

Summary

The US Federal Trade Commission has appealed a district court ruling that found Meta does not hold a monopoly in personal social networking. The FTC originally filed suit in December 2020, accusing Meta of maintaining monopoly power through years of anticompetitive conduct — notably acquisitions such as Instagram and WhatsApp and restrictive conditions on software developers. Judge James Boasberg ruled last November that the social media market is fluid, Meta’s market share appears to be shrinking, and that the FTC had previously approved those acquisitions. The FTC says the trial record shows otherwise and has asked an appeals court to reconsider remedies including divestitures and the removal of anticompetitive conditions. The story also notes political and executive context around Meta, including past actions on political figures and a recent senior hire, Dina Powell McCormick.

Key Points

  • The FTC has appealed the district court decision that found Meta lacked monopoly power in personal social networking.
  • Central allegations: Meta used acquisitions (Instagram, WhatsApp) and restrictive developer terms to stifle competition.
  • Judge Boasberg pointed to a changing social-media ecosystem and said Meta’s share “seems to be shrinking”; he also noted prior FTC approval of the acquisitions.
  • The FTC maintains that trial evidence shows Meta illegally maintained monopoly power for over a decade and seeks structural remedies.
  • The case sits alongside broader political and regulatory scrutiny of big tech and will influence future M&A and competition enforcement.

Content Summary

The article reports the FTC’s decision to appeal its long-running antitrust case against Meta after a district court ruled against the agency. It outlines the FTC’s original claims that Meta built and preserved dominance via strategic acquisitions and developer restrictions, and summarises Judge Boasberg’s reasons for rejecting the monopoly finding. The FTC’s renewed legal push emphasises the strength of the trial record and seeks to reverse the lower-court outcome through the appeals process.

Also covered are contextual details: the timing of the original complaint (late 2020), the FTC’s call for divestitures and other remedies, and snippets of Meta’s political and leadership background that frame ongoing scrutiny of the company.

Context and Relevance

This appeal matters because it will help define how regulators can police tech consolidation and platform power. A successful FTC appeal could force significant structural change at one of the world’s largest tech platforms and set precedent for how acquisitions and developer relationships are judged. The outcome will be watched closely by regulators, startups, platform partners, investors and policymakers in the US, EU and beyond — influencing dealmaking and enforcement strategy across the sector.

Why should I read this?

Want to know whether the regulator will actually clip Meta’s wings or just kick the can down the road? This is the next big chapter in a decade-long tussle over how big tech grew — and whether the law can unwind it. If you follow tech policy, competition law, or the business of social platforms, this one’s worth five minutes.

Author’s take

Punchy and to the point: this appeal is a heavyweight test of modern antitrust enforcement. It could reshape how platforms buy rivals — or confirm the limits of current rules.

Source

Source: https://go.theregister.com/feed/www.theregister.com/2026/01/21/ftc_to_drag_meta_back/